The restaurant’s roots trace to John Pittari Sr., who brought his family to the United States from Naples, Italy, in the 1970s. Pitarri opened several restaurants in Brooklyn, New York, before ultimately moving to North Carolina and starting a pizzeria in Raleigh.
These days, Johnny Pitarri Jr. oversees operations at San Remo, which has gained a loyal following for its rewarding pizza, pasta and other Italian specialties like cheese tortellini soup (pictured below).
Photo courtesy of Jonathan Fredin/S&A Cherokee
Standout menu items at dinner include the bacon-wrapped scallops appetizer; sundried tomato-infused penne San Remo; and the 12-ounce New York Strip Due Mondi with sliced shrimp, roasted pepper and chipotle pepper madera wine glaze. Be sure to save room for dessert, as the fresh-baked Crème Brûlée ranks among the best you’ll taste.
The restaurant features a relaxed, inviting vibe (somewhat romantic at night) with dark-topped tables and an easily accessible bar. An enticing all-you-can-eat lunch buffet is available Sunday through Friday.
San Remo is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Reservations are recommended on weekend nights.
